Europa Games and Military History

Tag: Invasion of Spain (Page 2 of 3)

Aug I 41 – German Turn

Initial Phase: The Weather is clear in Zones D and E, Sea is calm in Atlantic and Mediterranean. All units are in supply. Spain generates 3 GSPs in Sevilla.

Germany spends 2 ARPs to bring back 2 aborted Me109Es. One appears at Tarragone and the other comes on at Lerida.1 ARP is left in the pool. The 667th Combat Engineer regiment is replaced (2 Inf RPs, 11 remain) and also appears at Tarragona.

Movement Phase: Germany embarks on a rapid airfield construction operation around Valencia, in order to provide air support capability for the coming assault on the city. First off the 512th Combat Engineer builds a temporary field in 33:3633. Then the 16th Construction regiment and 519th Combat Engineer regiment move to 3632 and combine their abilities to build a second temporary airfield in the area.

North of Valencia, two more airfields are built in Tereul and 3303 by the 604th and 674th Combat engineer regiments. In addition, the 7th and 71st Construction regiments abandon their airfields north of Madrid and use rail and admin movement to move onto the new airfields, freeing up the Combat Engineers for other duties. The 674th advances 2 spaces to 3502 and the 604th heads back to Tereul. From Madrid, the 108th Construction regiment is ordered to the Valencia sector, and it uses admin and rail movement to reach 33:3331. Nearby, the newly reformed 667th Combat Engineer regiment is sent forward via admin movement to join the RR artillery in 23A:3702.

Continuing rail regauging is the 4th RR Engineer regiment, which repairs a rail break and then regauges the line in Tarragona. The 1st RR Engineer regiment advances the northern railhead to 23A:1907. The 34th Corps moves two more hexes along the rail line to 3406 to complete ownership for the Germans. This allows the 64th Corps (and its siege artillery) to use admin movement to head southeast as far as 3605. The 34th then heads back west to 3510 and proceeds south through Albacete to 3910.

Near Madrid, the remnants of the Spanish defenders are about to be rounded up. The 66th Corps moves to 2912, flanked by the 12th Infantry division which occupies 2913. Any possible retreat is cut off by the 5th Infantry division which takes up a position behind the Tajo river at 2712.

A few miles to the northwest, the SS TK Motorised division sweeps around behind the two Spanish divisions in 2514, and it stops movement in Talavera de la Raina, The 22nd Air Landing division also joins in the operation, moving into the mountains at 2413. Finally the 7th Panzer division is joined by the 610th and 782 Artillery regiments which are detached from the 53rd Corps in Madrid. The rest of the 53rd Corps heads off down the road towards Gibraltar, reaching Tomelloso.

To protect the Madrid city airbases in 2710 against partisan attacks, the 604th Motorised Light AA battalion transfers from garrison duty at Valladolid. German position AA is moved towards Madrid, with 6 points leaving the Bayonne area. 4 points use rail and admin movement to reach 2512 while 2 other points can only reach as far as Avila (2312). 4 other points located deeper in France as railed up as far as the European gauge railhead in 1907.

In the Valencia sector, the 62nd Corps moves back down adjacent to the city at 3704. The present occupant of that hex is the 25th Corps, which shifts across the Jucar river to Alzira. It is joined there by the 4th Panzer division. An exception is the 133rd motorised heavy AA battalion, which only shuffles as far as 3804, where it is joined by the 15th Mountain Corps and the 98th independent Mountain regiment. Also in the area, the 12th Infantry division rejoins the 65th Corps.

In air missions, a major assault is made on the airbase in Valencia. Using newly constructed local airbases as staging posts, nearly every German air unit joins in the attack. The British have 5 fighters in the area, 4 land based and a group of Fulmars on a carrier off the coast. However, they are outnumbered almost 2 to 1 by the Luftwaffe. After an emergency meeting by local commanders in consultation with London, it is decided that the RAF will seek to take as many Germans down with them as possible, however the carrier planes will not take part in order to provide protection for the Allied fleet. Two Hurricanes are allocated against Me110s, a third goes up against a Me109E, while the Spitfires tangle with more Me109Es. Weight of numbers proves decisive. The British lose 2 Hurricanes and a Spitfire aborted, while the other Hurricane is shot down by Me110Cs. The only hit on the Germans is an abort on a Me110C4. The few AA guns that are stationed in the city are too far away from the airport to have any effect on the waves of incoming bombers. Valencia airport is obliterated under a downpour of bombs, with 6 hits reducing its capacity to 0. Many Spanish SM79 bombers and Mixed attack bombers on the ground are also reduced to burning wrecks. The German air units land at the temporary airfield ringing the city, in formations of 2 fighters and one bomber where possible.

Combat Phase: There will be two stacks of Spanish attacked this turn but the available Allied air support is not able to affect the outcome (save for chancing a very risky unescorted mission to 2514), so no DAS missions are flown. Force H in 3903 continues to send heavy barrages of gunfire towards the German assembly zones near Valencia. However the German units are well bunkered down and feel little effect apart from some headaches.

All the available Luftwaffe aircraft bombed Valencia this turn, so no GS missions are undertaken.

The 66th Corps, 57th and 5th Infantry divisions have surrounded the remnants of the Spanish 13th and 23rd divisions in Toledo. The Spanish can only muster 5 points, while the attackers are worth 36, which works out to a 5:1 even assault. 1 is rolled for a HX. The Spanish are destroyed but manage to cadre the 263rd Infantry division, in a Pyrrhic result for the Germans. The cadred division advances into Toledo so it can rebuild next turn. It is joined there by the 5th Infantry division which advances over the Tajo river.

Northwest of Toledo in 2514, the 21st and 41Exp Infantry divisions, augmented by the 1st Combat Engineers, face an armoured pincer movement led by the SS TK division and 7th Panzer division. The isolated defenders are worth 11 but the Germans have 34, including a +2 for AECA. A 4 comes up, modified to 6 for a DH. The engineers and 41Exp division are destroyed, while the 21st is reduced to cadre. This unit retreats into the mountains at 2414.

Exploitation Phase: The 604th Motorised Light AA battalion moves to Madrid 2711 to protect the single remaining air unit from partisan attack. In the south of Spain, the 34th Corps moves to capture Murcia, where it stops. Next to Valencia, the 35th Corps enters the swamps in 3904.

Losses

  • Spanish Unisolated – 0
  • Spanish Isolated – 9+5 = 14
  • Spanish Air – 2A
  • German Unisolated – 4 (1 Special RP received)
  • German Isolated – 0
  • German Air – 0
  • British Unisolated – 0
  • British Isolated – 0
  • British Air – 3A

Aug I 41 – Allied Turn

All units are in supply except for the cadre of the 21st Infantry division, which is hiding in the Cordillera Central. All the German aircraft, except for a fighter in Madrid and the transports, go on Naval Patrol duty.

Spanish guerrillas employ a change of tactics this turn, targeting airbases instead of the rail network. Attacks are made against Madrid, Albacete and Tarragona (which actually has some Me110s there protected only by RR Engineers). Unfortunately, runways are not as easy to blow up as rail tracks, and none of the operations are successful. The last remaining Spanish ARPs is used to bring back a SM79-1 bomber at Sevilla. Meanwhile, 5 British ARPs (leaving 1 for next cycle) are used to replace all the fighters lost over Valencia last turn. A Hurricane and Spitfire are placed in Cordoba, while two other Hurricanes are brought on in Spanish Morocco at Tetuan. The 2nd Spanish Construction regiment completes defensive fortifications in Sevill

a.

Movement Phase: Force H has been stripped of its air cover that was based in Valencia, and the Luftwaffe now launches multiple sorties in an attempt to locate the Allied ships protecting the Spanish city.

First off the rank are 2 Me109Es escorting torpedo laden Ju88s based in 3304. The search modifier is +2 (calm weather, 6 hexes flown). Contact is made with a 3. The Fulmar fighters on board a carrier fly up to intercept, and attempt to bypass both of the escorts. However, a 7 is rolled by the first Me109 and the Fulmars are returned to the decks. The Ju88s begin their attack runs in the face of withering AA fire from destroyers escorting the carriers.6 is rolled, modified to 5, returning the bombers to base, their torpedoes wide of the mark.

The second patrol mission comes from 3303, a carbon copy of the first. Radio transmissions from the previous mission guide the torpedo bombers directly to the target area. This time there are no enemy fighters, but the AA gauntlet must again be run. Learning from the mistakes of their compatriots, the Ju88 pilots literally skim the waves, below the effective angle of fire of the flak which pours in their direction. 10 comes up for a miss. One torpedo slams home, sinking a Spanish destroyer.

Next in line are 2 Stukas from 33:3633. There is a Me109 at the airbase but it does not need to participate due to the lack of interceptors. Due to the proximity of the airbase to the target zone, the search modifier is +3. 5 comes up for another contact. The dive bombers scream down on the fleet out of the sun, blinding the AA gunners (8 and 9 rolled). 3 hits are scored, damaging a carrier, a British cruiser and a Spanish cruiser.

3 more Ju87s from 3632 attempt to keep the assault going, and the smoke emitted by burning ships gives away the position (4 rolled). The shriek of dive bombers is again heard over the sound of engines at flank speed, which are trying propel the ships in evasive manoeuvres. The pitching and rolling of the decks gives the Flak gunners little chance, and again they miss all incoming aircraft (8, 7, 8 rolled). Despite 12 rolls, only 3 more hits are scored, finishing off the burning RN cruiser, sinking a second Spanish destroyer, and a burst through the flight deck causes serious damage to a second carrier. In the ensuing fires, the Fulmar fighters are burned to a crisp, eliminating them.

The next wave consists of 2 He111s from Barcelona. Due to their increased distance, the search modifier is only +1. A navigational error (2 rolled) sees them patrolling further east than intended, and they do not find the enemy.

The final mission is another 2 He111s from Zaragoza, again with a +1 on the search roll. Somewhere over the mountains, the weather closes in and they get lost (3 rolled). While trying to determine their location fuel runs low, forcing them to return to base. For their efforts, the German pilots earn 56 VPs.

The Allied fleet has taken a pounding (7 hits) and now faces a tough decision. If it stays where it is to provide NGS then the Germans will be able to attack Valencia at a guaranteed 3:1, which gives the city only 1 chance in 6 of holding out. In addition the fleet will be subject to another wave of air attacks. Withdrawal will mean the city will be certainly overrun. The decision is made to evacuate the city instead. 6 British Naval transports and 4 Spanish transports head to the city from Gibraltar and Ceuta. There are still a couple of German fighters operative in the area so the Allied capital ships escort the transports from 4104 into the Valencia harbour. There they embark all the Spanish units and head west, along with the fleet acting as escort. The 31st Infantry division is unloaded at Motril in 4120, the 5th Guardia Civil regiment is taken to Cadiz, while the rest of the evacuees land in Malaga. All the transports end movement in the disembarkation ports. The Allied fleet sails on to Gibraltar and ties up at the docks there.

The 31st Infantry division moves off the docks in Motril into the mountains at 4119, protecting the coastal flank of the Gibraltar perimeter. From Malaga, the 62nd Artillery regiment heads north to join one of the reserve stacks in 3522. Also moving north is the 2Car border regiment and 3rd Combat Engineer regiment, which head to 3622. At Cadiz, the ground units holding the city rip up the airbase there, reducing it ot 0 capacity and denying use of it to the invaders. Northwest of Madrid, the 21st cadre retreats further into the mountains at 2315. Since the Spanish rail capacity is now only 3, it remains out of supply.

The Spanish light armour sorties from 3518 on another operation to deny rail lines to the Germans. The 1st and 2nd regiments move to 3917 and break the line in that hex, while the 5th regiment is ordered to do the same in 3916.

Now that the Germans have captured a significant portion of the Spanish rolling stock, they have a useful rail capacity on the Iberian rail net. In an attempt to reduce that capability, the RAF launches a series of night raids against the marshalling yards of Madrid. 2 Whitleys from Gibraltar attack 2711 and 2 Blen 4s from Malaga go in against 2710. There is 1 point of AA in 2711 and none in the other hex. The second raid against 2711 is done during a full moon, and the German gunners are able to clearly see the enemy flying overhead. Accurate fire means that the bombers cannot penetrate the target zone, and they return to base (another snake eyes comes up). The rest of the air units drop their bomb loads but are well wide of the mark, and no damage is done to the rail network.

Combat Phase: No combat

Exploitation Phase: All the Allied transports retreat to the relative safety of Gibraltar. Spanish Light armoured units return to 3518.

End of Turn Summary

The Royal and Spanish Navies could not sustain the pounding they were taking once they had no air cover, therefore it was decided to give up Valencia. In any case it had served its purpose in delaying the Axis advance. It was a surprise at how quickly the Germans were able to concentrate their air power in the area once presented with a high value target. Most of Spain has now been taken, and the front moves inexorably towards the Gibraltar perimeter.

Losses

  • Spanish Unisolated – 0
  • Spanish Isolated – 0
  • Spanish Air – 0
  • German Unisolated – 0
  • German Isolated – 0
  • German Air – 0
  • British Unisolated – 0
  • British Isolated – 0
  • British Air – 0

Jul II 41 – German Turn

Initial Phase: The Weather is clear in Zones D and E, Sea is calm in Atlantic and Mediterranean. All units are in supply. Spain generates 3 GSPs in Madrid and 3 in Sevilla.

The Axis uses 6 ARPs to bring back 2 Me109Es (1 from elimination), a Me109F a Ju87B and a He111H. The fighters appear at 2107, the Heinkels come on at Barcelona and the Stukas reappear at Lerida. 3 ARPs remain. 3 Me109s from Madrid 2710 and 3 from 2107 fly CAP over Madrid 2711.

Movement Phase: The final push is made on Madrid 2711. From 2414, the 7th Panzer and SS TK Motorised divisions come up behind the city to 2712. The 34th Corps moves into 2611, and is augmented by the 5th Infantry division from the adjacent 53rd Corps. This means that the 563rd Motorised At battalion must join the units in 2712. 2810 is occupied by the 66th Corps, and finally the last two units in the 63rd Corps split up, with the 52nd Infantry division joining the 53rd Corps, and the 57th division advancing to 3011.

North of Madrid, the 22nd Air Landing division moves in to the mountain pass in 2412 that has recently been vacated. Not far away, the 71st Construction regiment heads to the temporary airfield at 2207 (abandoning its own in 2006), freeing up the 604th Combat Engineer regiment. The 609th uses admin movement to head south to Tereul, alongside the 65th Corps. It is joined in the hex by the 674th Engineer regiment which is withdrawn from the Madrid sector. Lastly, the 108th Construction regiment moves west to join the 64th Corps in Madrid.

Along the Mediterranean coast, a flurry of construction activity begins. The 4th RR Engineer regauges 3627 and advances to 3628. Due to the rail break there, it cannot regauge the line in that hex. Close by, the 16th Construction regiment administratively moves up to Tortosa. Rail breaks are repaired in 33:3734 (by the 512th Combat Engineer regiment) and 23A:3702 (by the 519th Combat Engineer regiment). This allows the RR guns to move to 3702, in range of Valencia. The 512th Engineers then move to 3632 and the 519th shifts back to 3734.

Since the attack on Valencia will be delayed, the 62nd is detailed to head north to Tereuel. This is in order to destroy the units holed up in the mountains at 3404. As additional reinforcements, the 12th Infantry division is detached from the 65th Corps, and it moves to 3403. Also detached into the same hex is the 3rd Panzer and 133rd Motorised Heavy AA regiment from the 25th Corps. Airbase garrison units are also reorganised. The 604th Motorised Light AA battalion administratively moves to Valladolid, relieving the LW 151st Motorised Heavy AA battalion. This unit heads towards Valencia, stopping in 3203.

Combat Phase: The heroic Spanish air defenders of Madrid fly up in a desperate mission to save the city. A He111E and a British A-22 from Malaga attempt to bomb the assembly zones of the Germans that ring the capital. They are escorted by 2 CR32bis units and a Me109E. Unfortunately for the Allies, the skies are swarming with 6 Messerschmitts on CAP. All The Germans switch to interception. One fighter is allocated to each Spanish air unit, with 2 being sent against the British A-22s. Combat is fierce. The Germans shoot down a Cr32bis and the He111s, and return all other aircraft. However, the Heinkel gunners are on song and abort a Me109E (snake eyes rolled), while the surviving CR32bis aborts another Me109E.

In 23A:3404, 3 Spanish units are surrounded in the mountains. A Mxd attack bomber and a SM79 fly DS from Valencia. They are outside the intercept range of any German fighters. Accurate fire from German heavy AA guns is enough to ensure that the Mxd bombers drop their munitions wide of the mark. Force H in 3903 sends heavy barrages of gunfire towards the German positions around Valencia. No significant losses are taken but the Germans do not attack the city this turn, as they are waiting for more artillery and air support to arrive from the north.

Ground Support: With the skies cleared of Spanish aircraft, the German bombers are free to fly into Madrid unmolested. 5 Ju87s (1 stages from Lerida through 2207), 3 He111Hs and 2 Ju88s fly continuous sorties against the defenders holed up in the suburbs. The AA in the city is running low on ammunition and is unable to divert any of the bombers away from the battle. 16 effective points of GS make it through.

Combat: Madrid 2711 is surrounded on 5 sides by the German 34th, 53rd, 64th and 66th Corps, plus the 7th Panzer and SS TK divisions. With 16 points of GS they are worth a grand total of 95.5. The 91st and 61st Infantry divisions form the core of the defense, which is worth 18 points. Due to the fort in the city, the attack is 5:1 -1. In a crushing and coordinated attack, the German forces overrun the city at minimal loss to themselves. 6 is rolled, modified to 5 for a DE. Due to ZOCs, the 61st and 91st cadres cannot retreat. Two Spanish air units which are inoperative manage to escape but become aborted upon reaching friendly airbases. Due to the positioning of the German 57th division in 3011, all losses are isolated. The 53rd Corps advances into the ruins of the city. The 2 Ju88s rebase to Barcelona in the air return step, while the rest of the aircraft land in Madrids’ airbases.

Southwards in 3404, 2 regiments of Spanish Infantry and one artillery regiment have been caught by the Germans in the mountains. Italian made SM79s add ½ a point to the defense for a total of 6.5. Arrayed against them is the 62nd and 15th Mountain Corps, plus the 3rd Panzer division, 12th Infantry division and some smaller units as well. The attack total is 43. Although only a few bombers made it through, they are enough to shorten the odds to 6:1 -2. 5 comes up.modified to a 3 for a DR. ZOCs ensure that the Spanish are forced to surrender.

Exploitation Phase: The 7th Panzer and SS TK division move to cut off the 2 Spanish divisions northwest of Madrid by moving to 2613. Near Valencia, the 3rd Panzer returns to the 25th Corps in 2704. It is joined there by the 133rd and 151st Motorised Heavy AA battalions which move down from the road to the north of Valencia. The 34th Corps moves to seize the low volume rail line leading from Aranjuez to Valencia. It advances through Madrid, over the Jarama river, and as far as Cuenca in 3207.

Losses

  • Spanish Unisolated – 0
  • Spanish Isolated – 18+3 = 21
  • Spanish Air – 2K/2A
  • German Unisolated – 0
  • German Isolated – 0
  • German Air – 2A

Jul II 41 – Allied Turn

Initial Phase: The units in 2412 are out of supply and become U-1. Germany now has 10 REs available to it on the Iberian gauge rail net and thus can now use it to trace supply lines. Due to the fall of Madrid, there are currently no Spanish full supply sources, so Spanish units must use Allied full supply sources (major ports).

All the German long range bombers go on Naval Patrol duty. Spanish partisans target rail lines in hexes 33:3530, 33:3008 and 23A:2701. This time the Germans are able to detect the partisan cells and make arrests before most of the attacks can be carried out, only 3530 is hit.

1 Spanish ARP (1 left) is spent to repair an aborted Me109E. It appears at Sevilla. Also in Sevilla, the 2nd Spanish Construction regiment begins building a fort.

Movement Phase: Force H and its Spanish counterparts spend the turn on station in 3903, replenishing their ammunition. Due to extensive air cover, the German torpedo bombers do not try to make contact. Portuguese units do not move, but nervously eye the border. The british 1st Tank brigade is sent from Cordoba to pull up some rail track near Sevilla. It puts a break in 3122 before ending movement in 3021.

The 1st and 4th Construction regiments in Tangier use quick construction to build a temporary airbase in the hex. Close to Madrid, the 13th and 23rd Infantry cadres are technically not isolated but they cannot escape the hordes of enemy units in the area, Instead they decide to break the rail line in 2811 before retreating into Toledo for their last stand.

In the foothills of the Cordillera Central, the 41Exp and 21st Infantry division continue to elude the German invaders. Although at U-1, they head back into the path of the Germans at 2514 to regain contact with their supply line. From 3519, the 1st, 2nd and 5th Light armoured regiments are tasked with rendering the rail line to Madrid unusable. By leapfrogging each other, they are able to put the line in hexes 3517 to 3413 out of action. The 5th moves on to 3313.

Combat Phase: No combat

Exploitation Phase: The Allied fleet again prepares its guns for shore bombardment in defense of Valencia. The 1st and 2nd Spanish Light tank regiments return to 3518, as does the 5th, but not before it puts an additional rail line break in 3313. The British 1st Tank brigade also puts more hits into the rail system by damaging 3021 before returning to Cordoba.

End of Turn Summary

Madrid has been taken but Valencia still holds out, and it will take at least another couple of turns for the Germans to get it, thanks to Force H & Co. However, rapid advances are now possible for the Axis since they have passed the 10RE threshold of Iberian rail capacity and can use Iberian gauge rail lines for supply. The Spanish also took heavy air losses this turn which cannot be sustained, even though they took a few Germans with them. There is not a lot the Allies can do now except wait for the Germans to come to them, and continue their successful tactic of trading units for time.

Losses

  • Spanish Unisolated – 0
  • Spanish Isolated – 0
  • Spanish Air – 0
  • German Unisolated – 0
  • German Isolated – 0
  • German Air – 0
  • British Unisolated – 0
  • British Isolated – 0
  • British Air – 0

Jul I 41 – German Turn

Initial Phase: The Weather is clear in Zones D and E, Sea is calm in Atlantic and Mediterranean. All units are in supply. Spain generates 3 GSPs in Madrid and 3 in Sevilla.

It is the start of a new air cycle, so 10 ARPs are received and one is carried over for a total of 11. A Me109E is brought back at 2206, and a He111H4 reappears in Vitoria, leaving 9 ARPs. The 519th Combat engineer regiment is replaced at Tarragona (2 Inf RPs, 7 remain).

Germany spends 9 Resource points at San Sebastian to permanently increase the capacity on the Spanish rail net by 3 REs. 2 ME109Es and a ME109F from 2207 fly CAP over Madrid 2710. 2 Me110C1s fly CAP over 3704.

Movement Phase: The 512th Combat engineer regiment receives new orders ands heads forward to 3633, where it repairs the rail line break. It uses its last MP to enter 3734. Behind it, the 4 rail mounted Siege artillery units move to 3633. Also, the newly reformed 519th Engineer regiment administratively moves up to 23A:3702.

In other construction activity, the 16th Construction regiment repairs the rail break in 3521 and then moves to 3522. Near Zaragoza, the 108th Construction regiment moves to 23A:2702 and uses quick construction along with the 674th Combat Engineer regiment to repair the rail line damage there. Its last MP is spent using rail transport to get to 2705. The aforementioned 67th moves west to Guadalajara.

Rail regauging continues, the 4th RR Engineer regiment advances the southern railhead to 33:3626, while the 1st RR Engineers regauge as far as 23A:1905. Each unit advances one hex past their railheads. In the Valencia sector, the 4th Panzer Corps pushes through to 3705, surrounding the Spanish 52Exp division. The rest of the 25th Corps manoeuvres to 3603, allowing the 65th Corps (and its siege artillery) to advance to 3703.

Behind them, the 62nd Corps moves up to 3701, protecting the rail line against further Spanish partisan activity. This will allow the rail guns to come in to play next turn. The 15th Mountain Corps is detailed to catch the fleeing Spanish units in 3404. The Corps moves through the high country in the area to 3505, unimpeded by enemy ZOCs. It is followed closely by the 98th Mountain regiment, which advances to 23A:3504 from 33:3533.

In the centre of the country, the 64th Corps moves up to 2709, facing Madrid. Extra forces for the Madrid assault arrive in the form of the 66th Corps which moves to 2809, absorbing the 263rd Infantry division along the way. In the rear, the 63rd Corps administratively moves up towards the front as far as Guadalajara. Looking northwards, the 2 detached regiments of the 11th Infantry division in 1410 move into the Cordillera Cantabrica, and take a position in the mountain pass at 1113.

With no opposition in its sector, but at the limit of supply range, the SS TK division shuffles a bit further forward to 2217. It is joined there by the 7th Panzer division which moves out from 2312.

Combat Phase: A mission is sent up from the Madrid airfields over 2710 consisting of a single He111E escorted by 2 CR32bis fighters and a ME109E. The German Me109s flying CAP over the hex switch to intercept and the Me109F attempts to bypass the screen. The first German Me109E takes on its Spanish twin. It appears that the Spanish pilots have mastered the intricacies of the German machines, and they shoot down the interceptors at no loss to themselves. The second Me109E takes on a CR32bis, and in another poor showing, neither aircraft scores a hit. The second CR32bis shoots at the Me109Fs trying to bypass the screen, and to complete the rout they score an abort. The bombers make it past the German AA and through to the target, in an overwhelming air victory for the Spanish.

Since the Madrid defenders sent all their fighters on escort, German bombers can fly in unmolested. An air armada takes to the skies, 5 Ju87s, 4 He111s, 2 JU88s and 3 ME109s carrying bombs. In the city are 5 points of antiaircraft. Perhaps due to the sheer volume of aircraft in the skies, a Ju87, a He111 and Me109E are aborted, and a Ju88 and a Me109F are returned. 26 points of GS make it through to the target, but are halved to 13 due to the city.

The 52Exp Infantry division is attacked in 3704 by the 4th Panzer division and 25th Corps, who have full AECA and can muster 31 attack factors. The woods terrain brings the attack back to 6:1 +2. 4 rolled results in a 6 for a DE. Due to ZOCs the infantry is eliminated, and the 25th Corps advances into the hex.

The main city hex of Madrid (2710) is attacked by no less than 4 German Corps and 9 air units. The 53rd, 34th, 64th and 66th Corps have a modified attack value of 66, when added to the 13 points of GS this makes 79, as against the 18 points of defenders (including DS). Despite significant air losses, the Germans still have a 4:1 attack, but at -2 due to the city and the fort inside it. Due to the overwhelming barrage from the air and land, the Spanish are forced to retreat out of the city. 5 is rolled modified to a 3 for a DR. Due to ZOCs, only the cadres of the 13th and 23rd division survive, and these retreat to 2810. The German 64th Corps advances into Madrid. 3 German fighters and 3 Ju87s land at the newly captured city airfield.

Exploitation Phase: The 4th Panzer Corps shifts forward to 3804, now Valencia is surrounded on 3 sides. Near Madrid, the 34th Corps heads west to occupy 2512, behind the 2 Spanish divisions in the mountains in 2412. The pincer around the Spanish is completed by the TK Motorised division and the 7th Panzer division, which move down the road and then off into the mountains of 2414. Their ZOC will put the enemy out of supply next turn.

Losses

  • Spanish Unisolated – 5+12 = 3 Special RPs
  • Spanish Isolated – 0
  • Spanish Air – 0
  • German Unisolated – 0
  • German Isolated – 0
  • German Air – 4A/1K

Jul I 41 – Allied Turn

Initial Phase: The units in 2412 are out of supply and become U-1.

Franco and his government are now in immediate danger. In order to avoid capture, they leave what is left of Madrid and relocate to Sevilla. Spanish Army units experience widespread confusion amongst their troops as the news filters through. All their combat strengths are halved for the remainder of the turn.

5 British fighters have been uncrated and become operational at Sevilla. 5 British ARPs are also received, giving a total of 6. The British also call Force H into Operation. 1 Task force and a Carrier group appear at Gibraltar. Spain finally receives 3 ARPs. 1 is used to bring back an I-16/t10 at Cordoba. In other production, a resource point appears at Sevilla.

Spain also receives 3 Inf RPs in mainland Spain, plus 0.5 in the Canaries (making 1) and 0.5 Colonial Inf RPs in Spanish Morocco (total now 1). Valencia is isolated and therefore produces no RPs this turn. 4 RPs are used (4.5 remain) to replace 3 Heavy AA regiments and the 41st Artillery regiment. The artillery comes on at Malaga, while the AA regiments appear in Cordoba.

All the German long range bombers go on Naval Patrol duty. 3 German fighters in the newly captured 2710 hex of Madrid fly CAP over Madrid 2711. Also, 3 Me110Cs from Zaragoza fly CAP over Valencia. Spanish partisans target rail lines in hexes 33:3632, 33:3522 and 23A:3503. Again, 2 out of 3 attacks succeed, although the one in 3503 is disrupted by German patrols.

Movement Phase: 2 Spanish Naval transports from Cadiz and one from Malaga relocate to Gibraltar, under the protection of the significant AA stationed there. Portuguese units do not move, but nervously eye the border.

3 British fighters attempt to transfer into Valencia from Sevilla. They are confronted by 3 German ME110s flying CAP over the city, which convert to patrol attack. However, the German air units are unable to impede the missions and all fighters land safely.

The 21st and 41Exp Infantry divisions that have been cut off in the mountain pass at 2412 try to extricate themselves by heading southwest to 2515. Due to the difficult terrain in the area, this is as far as they can move this turn. Next to Madrid, the remnants of the 13th and 23rd divisions cross the Jarama river into 2811. This will make at least one German stack attack Madrid over the river from 2810.

In Ceuta, the Colonial Tdl Infantry regiment and the I/Tdl and IV/Tdl Infantry battalions assemble to form a 3-6* Colonial Infantry regiment. Also, in 3622 the 2O and 1E Colonial Cavalry regiment form into the Mar Cavalry brigade. (Both conversions permitted as per published errata).

In Spanish Morocco, the ZMO Engineer regiment constructs a temporary airfield in Tetuan. From Jerez de la Frontera, the 1st and 4th Construction regiments head south via admin movement to Gibraltar, across the Straits ferries, and into Tangier.

Combat Phase: No combat

Exploitation Phase: The Spanish combat fleet joins up with Force H and they all sail to 3903. They then spend 90MPs preparing for Naval Gunfire support in defense of the city. The movement triggers reaction attempts by Axis units on Naval Patrol. 3 bombers from Valladolid catch a glimpse of smoke on the horizon but they are unable to spot the Allied fleet.

End of Turn Summary

One hex of Madrid fell but the second one is still a challenge for the Germans. The arrival of Force H has thrown the plans of a quick attack on Valencia into disarray. Unless the weather turns bad the Germans will have to fly most of their air force down there to deal with the Allied Fleet. With defensive NGS the city will be very tough to crack, so some damage must be done to the Task Forces. 5 British fighters will not make the task any easier either. Present planning will not see Valencia fall until the end of August. In the north, the final capture of Madrid will free up significant forces to move towards the Gibraltar perimeter.

Losses

  • Spanish Unisolated – 0
  • Spanish Isolated – 0
  • Spanish Air – 0
  • German Unisolated – 0
  • German Isolated – 0
  • German Air – 0

Jun II 41 German Turn

Initial Phase: The Weather is clear in Zones D and E, Sea is calm in Atlantic and Mediterranean. All units are in supply. Spain generates 3 GSPs in Madrid and 3 in Sevilla. 3 German Infantry RPs are used to replace the 98th Mountain regiment (3 remain). This unit appears in Tarragona. 2 German Me110Cs from Zaragoza and Barcelona fly CAP over 33:3633.

Movement Phase: The 15th Mountain Corps takes advantage of the lack of ZOCs to move around behind the Spanish that are blocking the way to Valencia. It moves to 33:3634, surrounding the defenders. The 98th Mountain regiment that has reappeared in Tarragona moves up to the mountains in 3533. Additional follow-up forces arrive in the form of the 62nd Corps, which enters 3532, absorbing 2 artillery regiments stationed there.

Further rail regauging takes place. The 4th RR Engineers regauge 3623 and 3624, while the 1st RR Engineers convert 23A:1902 and 1903. The 63rd Corps moves over land from 3229 to 2832, securing ownership of the final hex of the transportation line from Lerida to Zaragoza. This allows the 66th Corps to administratively move towards Madrid, ending up in 23A:2704. The 674th Combat Engineer regiment uses administrative movement to get from 3128 to the rail break at 2702.

Preparations are made for a forward airbase by the 512th Combat Engineer regiment, which administratively moves from 33:3523 to 3532. Meanwhile, the 108th Construction regiment in 3626 hops on a train as far as Zaragoza. With 2 MPs, it repairs the hit on the airbase there, before advancing one further hex to 2734 on the banks of the Ebro river.

A traffic jam is now becoming evident on the coast road leading to Valencia. This forces the 65th Corps to head into the canal system at 3631 from 3530. Its siege artillery at least will now be able to reach Valencia next turn.

In France, the 16th Construction regiment abandons its temporary airfield in 2029. It uses rail movement through France and into Spain, to reach the rail break in 3521. Also in France, 9 Resource Points are railed to San Sebastian, for use in increasing the capacity of the Spanish rail net. In the Madrid area, the 64th Corps advances very close to the city, as far as 2707. It is followed by the 34th (Armoured) Corps which advances to the outskirts of Madrid at 2609. Also advancing to high ground overlooking the city is the 53rd Corps, which moves over the mountains and stops in 2610.

Further north, the 71st and 7th Construction regiment combine to build a temporary airfield in 23A:2006, next to Burgos. The 7th then moves to take over maintenance of the adjacent airfield in 2107. 3 Ju87B rebase to the new airfield from Santander. The final step is that the 604th Engineer is now free to move to 2207 and construct a 3rd temporary airfield in the area. This airbase sees the arrival of a Me109e and Me109F from Bilbao. All the German short range aircraft are now in range of Madrid.

The SS TK Motorised division heads west from Valladolid to Salamanca, where it overruns the 7th Engineer regiment at 12:1. It then continues west to complete movement in 2217. Its former partner, the 7th Panzer division, heads south to occupy Avila in 2312.\, where it is joined by the 22nd Air Landing division.

Valladolid is garrisoned by the 151st Motorised Heavy AA regiment. In Gijon, the 11th Infantry division breaks down into supported regiments. A 2-6 unit stays in the city as a garrison, while the other units move through Leon to 1410. The 263rd Infantry division moves from 2304 down the road with admin movement to 2706.

Axis air units decide to show the citizens of Madrid the price of resistance to the German war machine. 4 He111H4s and 2 Ju88A4s take off from Barcelona and Bilbao. The units in Barcelona stage via Bilbao and San Sebastian in order to reach the target. The mission is escorted in by 2 Me109Fs and a Me109E from 2107. Faced with the possibility of facing even more enemy fighters next turn, the Spanish air force decides to intercept the mission. Two CR32bis fighters take on the escorts while the Spanish Me109s try to bypass the screen. The bypassing unit is fired at by German Me109Fs, 8 coming up for a miss. The Cr32s and Me109Es fight out a bloody stalemate, with 1 unit from each side aborted. Meanwhile the Spanish Me109s that penetrate through to the mission force abort a He111H4 at no loss to themselves. 5 bombers still remain however, and the 5 points of AA in the city open up, returning a Ju88 and a He111. The 3 remaining bombers release their bomb loads indiscriminately, achieving widespread destruction – 2 hits and 4 VPs for the Axis.

Combat Phase: Hex 33:3633 is surrounded on 3 sides by the German 15th and 25th Corps, plus the 98th Mountain regiment. The defenders count a total of 8, while the Germans have 45, with a net +1 modifier for half AECA in rough terrain. A 3 is rolled modified to a 4 for a DH, but the surviving units are destroyed by ZOCs. The 25th Corps advances into the hex.

Exploitation Phase: The 25th Corps advances to the outskirts of Valencia in 23A:3703, but it detaches the 4th Panzer division to 3503 in order to threaten the Spanish units in the mountains at 3403. The SS TK Motorised division moves west to Caceres, overruns the 11GC security regiment, and then heads back east to 2115, right at the edge of the German supply envelope.

Losses

  • Spanish Unisolated – 1+1 = 2
  • Spanish Isolated – 8
  • Spanish Air – 1A
  • German Unisolated – 0
  • German Isolated – 0
  • German Air – 2A

Jun II 41 – Allied Turn

Initial Phase: All units are in supply. All German bomber units switch to Naval Patrol. Partisan units launch coordinated attacks against rail targets in Lerida, Tarragona and Reuss in Cataluna. Faulty explosives mean that the attempt in Lerida fails but the other 2 attacks are successful.

Madrid and Sevilla generate 3 GSPs each. Valencia also generates 3 GSPs. The Spanish government relocates from Madrid hex 2710 to 2711. A Cr32bis is regrouped from the aborted pool, appearing in Madrid, which means another enters the eliminated box.

British and Spanish Engineers spend a resource point to build a fort in Jaen, behind the Guadalquivir river. In other construction activity, the permanent airfield in Ceuta is completed. Portugal completes its final turn of mobilisation (a bit later than scheduled, but there is no net effect on the game).

Movement Phase: British transports bring 6 points of position AA to Ceuta, escorted by Spanish capital ships. The naval group ends its movement in the North African port. Spanish transports 1 and 5 bring the Colonial IV/Tdl Infantry regiment to Cadiz, while the Can Coastal battalion unloads at Malaga. The transports end movement in their destination hexes and refuel. From Sidi Ifni, the Colonial Tdl Infantry regiment is delivered to Cadiz, to join the rest of the Tdl elements in the port.

Portuguese forces remain on alert. The 13th Infantry regiment joins the 2nd Infantry division in 1317. Meanwhile the town of Combra is reinforced by the 5th Cavalry regiment and 3rd MG battalion. The I Light Infantry regiment and 6th Cavalry regiment move from Braga to Porto.

The british 8th Artillery brigade moves from its position in Cordoba to reinforce the British armour in 3518. The 12GC regiment and 42nd Artillery regiment leave Madrid hex 2711 and rail southwards to Cartagena.

The joint Spanish and British Command staff decide that a reserve is required behind the Gibraltar outer perimeter. The 101st Infantry division forms the core, and it moves to Puente-Genil. It is joined there by the 2LE Infantry regiment from 3618 (which is mounted on a transport counter). Also forming the reserve is the 39th Infantry regiment and 2nd Bicycle battalion from Huelva, 8th Guardia Civil regiment from Jerez de la Frontera, and finally the 33rd Light Infantry regiment from Cadiz.

In the Cordillera Iberica, the units in 3402 have been cut off by the German 4th Panzer division. They decide to make a run for it, but due to mountainous terrain and a German ZOC, they can only move one hex to 3404.

3 GSPs are railed from Sevilla to Madrid. In Spanish Morocco, the ZMO Engineer unit moves into Tetuan. At Valencia, the 52Exp Infantry division moves out of the city to guard the flank at 3704. This will buy at least another turn for the defenders in the area. The CR32bis and He111E in Madrid 2710 rebase to 2711.

Now that the Spanish capital is in Madrid 2711, extra reinforcement is required. The 1st and 4th Construction regiments leave the city via rail to Jerez de La Frontera. In their place comes the 91st Infantry division, a powerful Spanish colonial unit from 3617.

Combat Phase: No combat

Exploitation Phase: No movement

End of Turn Summary

Madrid and Valencia are now directly under threat, and their fall will permit the Germans access to the Spanish rail net for tracing supply. In the air, a moral victory was had by the Spanish in aborting 2 aircraft for the loss of 1, but the new air cycle is about to begin. More important is the arrival of 5 British fighters which will be available next turn.

Losses

  • Spanish Unisolated – 0
  • Spanish Isolated – 0
  • Spanish Air – 0
  • German Unisolated – 0
  • German Isolated – 0
  • German Air – 0

Jun I 41 – German Turn

The Weather is clear in Zones D and E, Sea is calm in Atlantic and Mediterranean. All units are in supply.

Spain generates 3 GSPs in Madrid and 3 in Sevilla. With 19.5 Inf RPs available, the Germans rebuild the 11th and 12th Infantry divisions to full strength (5 RPs each). They also recreate the 308th Motorised Artillery (1 Arm RP, 2 Inf RPs), the 512th Engineers (2 Inf RPs) and the 616th motorised AT battalion (0.5 Arm RP/0.5 Inf RP). They still have 5 Arm RPs and 5 Inf RPs left in their pool.

The rebuilt AT and artillery units come on in the major hex of Barcelona, while the Engineers appear is Perpignan.

Movement Phase: The 15th Mountain Corps heads southwards from Zaragoza to confront the Spanish 32nd division that occupies the mountains in 33:3533. The Corps ends movement in 3433. Nearby the 25th Corps manoeuvres its armoured units into the canals at 3631.

The 62nd and 65th Corps advance from Barcelona down the coast. The 62nd reaches as far as 3529 while the 65th can make it one hex further to 3530. Both Corps detach faster moving artillery to a further position at 3532. It is joined there by the AT, Engineers and artillery that arrived in Barcelona as reinforcements. The Artillery in the 65th is replaced by the 783rd regiment that was stationed to the east of Barcelona.

With the newly captured Iberian rail capacity from Barcelona, the 4 RR Siege Artillery units from near Bayonne are able to move down into Spain up to Totosa in 33:3531, putting them in range of both Spanish divisions that are blocking the coast route.

The 4th RR Engineers regauge 2 more rail hexes and move further into 3623. Behind them, the 512th Engineer regiment moves out of Perpignan, repairs the rail hex in 3521 and then moves to 3523. The citizens of Barcelona start to get a bit restless and the conditions under occupation. The Pol SS division is sent there from 3224 to restore order.

In the Pyrenees, the 674th Engineer moves over the high mountain pass at 2826/2926 and down the mountain road to end movement in 3128. The 63rd Corps (which has been stripped down to 2 divisions), moves from 3325 to Manresa and then northwest along the rail line as far as Lerida, which it captures unopposed. Behind it, the 66th Corps also exits the Pyrenees and uses admin movement to leapfrog the 63rd to stop in 3128.

Along the Biscay Coast, the 607th Light motorised AA battalion moves to Santander to relieve the 11th Infantry division. The division advances to 1107, joining the 7th Panzer division in front of Gijon. Joining them is the TK SS Motorised Infantry which arrives in Oveido after moving up from Leon. Lastly, the Luftwaffe 151st motorised AA heads up the coast road to join the tanks and infantry in 1107.

In Bayonne, the 7th Parachute division breaks down into its supported components. The 3rd regiment uses admin movement to enter Spain and take up a garrison position in Bilbao. The 1st regiment acts likewise except that it is tasked to occupy San Sebastian against any potential seaborne attacks. The 2nd Parachute regiment uses rail movement to reach Santander, utilising captured Iberian rail capacity.

Further north in France, the 601st Motorised Light AA battalion in La Rochelle uses rail movement to reach 3624, the partial hex of Barcelona. Also from St Nazaire and Nantes, the 605th and 604th Light AA battalions hop onto trains and move down to the European gauge railhead at 33:2033. They then use admin movement to head down the road as far as 23A:2501

In central Spain, the 1st RR Engineer converts two more hexes to European gauge, extending it as far as Vitoria. Further west at 2107, the 604th Combat engineer regiment constructs a temporary airfield which is in fighter range of Madrid. 2 Me109Es from 33:1930 and a Me109F from 2028 stage there and escort a terror bombing mission at 2710 which is flown by the two Ju88A4s. The Spanish decide to conserve their fighters fro the ground battle so no interception occurs. There are 5 points of AA in the hex, but it is not able to significantly divert the bombers away. 1 hit is achieved, earning the Axis a VP. The fighters return to 2107, one of the Ju88s goes to Barcelona and the other lands at Bilbao.

This allows the 7th Construction regiment to abandon the airfield in 1930. Another airfield is abandoned by the 71st Construction regiment in 1626 next to Bayonne. The two Construction units use rail movement as fair as the railhead, and then admin movement to 2006. A final airfield is abandoned by the 108th Construction regiment in 2625. It uses a combination of rail and admin movement to reach 33:3626.

The 64th Corps shifts forward to 2802, tying down the Spanish units in 3403. However, it dispatches the 263rd Infantry division north to take control of the rail line leading to Burgos. It moves as far as 2304. The 22nd Air Landing division completes the takeover by moving to 2016 and thence back to its original hex in 2107. The two isolated Iberian rail nets are thereby joined into one. The nearby armoured 34th Corps also inches forward to 2706, but it is close to the limit of its supply line.

From its base in Valladolid, the 53rd Corps moves southwards towards the Cordillera Central, ending movement in the village of Segovia in 2409. In other transfer missions, a Me109E relocates to Valladolid from 33:2625, a Ju87 also moves there from Vitoria, and another Ju87 flies in from 2029. All these units are in range of Madrid. A Me110C transfers south from Santander to Zaragoza, and a second Me110C transfers to Zaragoza from Barcelona.

Combat Phase: The Spanish fly their Mixed attack bombers and SM79s, plus a British Hurricane on strafing duty from Valencia over the 82nd division in 3632. There are no German fighters in range. 4 He111Hs from Barcelona fly against the 32nd Infantry division that defends in the mountains in 33:3533. 2 Ju87s from Santander and a third which stages from 3029 via Santander support the assault on Gijon.

Combat: Gijon is besieged by the SS TK division, the 7th Panzer division, he 11th Infantry division, plus some AA guns, and 3 Ju87s raining precision munitions from the sky. It is held by small formations led by the 87th MG regiment, plus the 47th Artillery regiment, and local security and border forces. The defenders have 7 points, while against them is a total of 43. The Spanish are quickly forced back into the city where they try to regroup, but the mechanised advance is too fast and they are caught against the Bay of Biscay. The Gijon commander surrenders his troops. 6:1 even results in a 2 for a DR, but the city is surrounded by ZOCs. The 11th Infantry division occupies the city, and the 3 Stukas return to base at Santander.

In 3533, the 32nd Infantry division is attacked by the 15th Mountain Corps, backed up by a range of artillery, including rail guns in 3531. 4 He111H4s also join the battle for the high ground overlooking the coast road. In total the attackers have 30.5 against 5, a 6:1 with a -2 modifier. The difficult terrain slows down the German advance, allowing the dug in Spanish to direct withering fire on the advancing units, but in the end overwhelming artillery power wins the day. A 2 is rolled modified to 0 for an EX. The Spanish unit is reduced to cadre and retreats to 3633. The Germans lose the 98th Mountain regiment, 402nd Bicycle regiment and 616th motorised AT battalion. The 15th Corps advances into the hex and the bombers return to Barcelona.

Close by, the 82nd Infantry faces up to the Panzers of the 25th Corps. 28 vs 5 works out to a base 5:1 with +3 for full AECA. The Allied defensive support is fired on by the German AA. Perhaps due to the shock of actually seeing enemy aircraft, the gunners are well wide of the mark. The 1.5 points of DS make a total of 6.5 against 28, bringing the attack down to a 4:1 +3. Unfortunately, the lightly armed bombers are unable to disrupt the German spearheads, and the Spanish are crushed, 4 modified to a 7 for a DE, no retreat possible. The 25th Corps advances. The Allied aircraft return to Valencia.

Exploitation Phase: The SS TK Motorised Infantry division moves south to Valladolid from Gijon. Also in the Gijon area, the 7th Panzer and 151st Motorised Heavy AA regiment head south, just behind the SS troops. They finish movement in 23A:1909.

The airbase at Zaragoza is garrisoned by the 604th and 605th Motorised Light AA battalions that move in from 33:2833. Near Barcelona, the 608th Motorised Artillery moves forward to join the 25th Corps.

On the Biscay coast, the small fishing village of Laredo is garrisoned by the 643rd motorised AT battalion, which moves up from the railhead in 23A:2001. Another garrison is formed in Aviles by the 607th motorised Light AA battalion that advances from Santander.

Losses

  • Spanish Unisolated – 5+5 = 10 (2 Special RPs received)
  • Spanish Isolated – 7
  • Spanish Air – 0
  • German Unisolated – 5 (1 Special RP received)
  • German Isolated – 0
  • German Air – 0

Jun I 41 Allied turn

Initial Phase: All units are in supply. It is the 6th turn of Spanish mobilisation, so production of RPs begins. 4 Inf RPs are received in mainland Spain, 0.5 RPs are received in the Canary Islands, and 0.5 Colonial Inf RPs appear in Tetuan.

The 61st Infantry division is rebuilt and appears in Madrid (5 Inf RPs, 2.5 remain). Due to the Germans advancing into Castilla la Nueva, the Andalucia garrison is activated. Units appear in Malaga, Jerez de la Frontera, Sevilla and Almeria. A Resource point is spent via quick construction for a fort in Madrid hex 2711. Also in Madrid, 3 additional GSPs are generated. German aircraft in Barcelona, Santander and Bilbao are placed on Naval Patrol.

Spanish partisans attempt to wreck rail lines in Tarragona, 23A:3521 near the French border, plus 23A:3232. The band in Tarragona is detected by the enemy and unable to carry out its mission, but the other two sabotage attempts are successful.

The 5th Construction regiment begins building a permanent airfield in Ceuta. The Spanish government is very worried by the proximity of German forces to Madrid, but it resolves to remain in the capital for the time being.

Movement Phase: Naval Movement: The transports in the UK load up 5 crated fighters and 2 points of position AA. All of them are delivered to Sevilla, where they will spend the rest of the month being reassembled for action. The naval group then refuels.

Spanish Naval Transports 1 and 5 bring the 21GC security regiment and I/Tdl Colonial Infantry regiment from Las Palmas di Gran Canaria to Cadiz. They then had back to the Canary Islands and dock at Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

A Landing craft ferries the 131st Infantry regiment from island of La Palma to Cadiz, and ends its movement there.

Portuguese forces remain on alert.

The British are happy with their defensive emplacements and do not move.

The 13th Cavalry regiment moves out of Valencia and wrecks the rail hexes in 3702 and 3703 before popping back into the city. The 52Exp Infantry division does likewise, tearing up track in 3602 before returning to its original position.

In front of Valencia, the 3LE Infantry in 23A:3633 damages the rail line in 3734 before returning to its point of origin, and the 34th Light Infantry pulls up the rails in 3633.

Further rail damage is done by the units holding the mountains in 3403. They place breaks in 3403, 3304 (Tereul), and 3202 before returning to their starting hex. The line in 2412 north of Madrid is also broken by the 41 Exp Infantry division, as are 2014 and 2015, these being damaged by the 7th Engineer regiment.

In Spanish Morocco, the 2O Cavalry regiment crosses the Gibraltar Strait and moves to 3621, where local reserves are deployed. Close by, the 101st Infantry division collects a resource point from Algeciras and takes it to Lucena in 3521. It is to be used for a future fort behind the Guadalquivir river.

The 93rd Infantry division in 3918 is joined by the 4Car Border regiment and 16th Guardia Civil security regiment. These units were activated as part of the Andalucia garrison. The 11GC Guardia Civil regiment breaks rail lines in Caceres and hex 23A: 2219 before returning to garrison Caceres.

Combat Phase: No combat

Exploitation Phase: The British transports return to Plymouth. A Spanish Landing Craft rebases to Ceuta, while a Naval transport moves from Algeciras down the African coast to Sidi Ifni. No Land units move.

End of Turn Summary

The Germans are now at the limits of their supply lines. Valencia and Madrid are at least 2 turns away from falling, and time is marching on. The Spanish are now fully deployed, including all realistic reinforcements from the island areas. All that remains is to delay the Germans until the weather turns in the autumn.

Losses

  • Spanish Unisolated – 0
  • Spanish Isolated – 0
  • Spanish Air – 0
  • German Unisolated – 0
  • German Isolated – 0
  • German Air – 0
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